World-Class Expectations
Frisco Independent School District (FISD) is a premier example of Texas hyper-growth. Having evolved from a small rural district to a major system of nearly 67,000 students, it attracts families from around the globe, including corporate relocations for companies like Toyota. The district is known for its "small schools" model, capping high schools at around 2,100 students to ensure every student has a shot at the varsity team or the lead role.
However, the competitive culture and high property wealth also lead many families to choose private education or homeschooling. For these families, a complex question arises: "Can I still get help from the public school?"
Proportionate Share: The Limits of Funding
Federal Funding Formula
Parents searching for Frisco ISD proportionate share private school services need to understand a critical legal distinction: FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) does not fully apply to private schools.
Service Plan vs. IEP
If you unilaterally place your child in a private school (or homeschool) within Frisco ISD boundaries, they are not entitled to an IEP. Instead, they may receive a Service Plan (SP).
The district is only required to spend a "proportionate share" of their federal IDEA funds on this population. Once those funds run out for the year, services can stop.
Strategic Steps for Private School Parents
- Know the Offerings: Frisco ISD typically consults with private school representatives to decide which services to offer. This is often limited to direct speech therapy or consultation services, not full academic intervention.
- Keep Your Evaluation Current: Even if you decline the public placement, you should consider allowing the district to complete a Full Individual Evaluation (FIE) every three years. This protects your rights if you ever decide to re-enroll.
- Dual Enrollment (Rare but Possible): In very specific cases involving visual or auditory impairments, dual enrollment might be an option.
The Star Treatment
The Star in Frisco—the world headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys—is physically integrated with the district via the Ford Center, where high school athletes play on the same field as NFL pros. This partnership symbolizes the district's ethos: high performance, public-private integration, and world-class facilities.
Navigating "Proportionate Share" services requires a similar understanding of public-private partnerships. You are essentially asking the public team (FISD) to step onto the private field (your private school) to provide support. It is a negotiation defined by limited resources, not an entitlement defined by the IEP.
Just as the Cowboys operate under a salary cap, the district operates its private school services under a funding cap. Understanding this cap helps you make informed decisions about whether to rely on district speech therapy or seek private alternatives.
Public Rights in a Private Setting
Navigator Kids AI helps you calculate the trade-offs. We analyze what services you might be giving up by leaving the public system and help you draft the letters to access Proportionate Share services.
Frisco Educational & Therapy Resources
Frisco SAGE (Special & Gifted Education)
A parent-led organization advocating for students with diverse learning needs in Frisco ISD.
Parent AdvocacyManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship
Located nearby, offering therapeutic riding for children with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Therapeutic RecreationRelated Texas Guides
Educational Purpose Only: The information provided on this page regarding Frisco Independent School District (FISD) and Proportionate Share services is for educational purposes only. Navigator Kids AI is not a law firm, and this content does not constitute legal advice. Funding levels and service availability for private school students change annually. Always verify current offerings with the FISD Special Education Department.